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Home›Odd Observations›Mow the Lake?

Mow the Lake?

By Sam Lowe
March 30, 2014
2077
2
Coolidge Dam

View of upstream face of the Coolidge Dam showing intake towers, bridges and domes. Courtesy of Historic American Buildings Survey.

SAN CARLOS RESERVATION — In the 1920s, the federal government decided Arizona needed another dam. Surveyors picked a site on the Reservation, and when the new barrier was completed, they named it Coolidge Dam, after the incumbent president, who actually showed up for the dedication ceremony. Several other dignitaries also took part, including humorist Will Rogers.

Unfortunately for the celebrants, there was very little water in the impoundment area behind the dam because the Gila River, the main water source, had all but dried up due to an extended drought. But the ceremony went ahead anyway. President Coolidge was his taciturn self and didn’t say anything memorable. But when it was Will Rogers’ turn to speak, he looked over the field of weeds and reeds and observed:

“It that was my lake, I’d mow it.”

 

 

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  4. Bell Tower Still Stands at Old Mission on Gila River Indian Reservation
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Tagscoolidge damhistoryplace names

2 comments

  1. SaraD 31 March, 2014 at 07:24 Reply

    That was a great line.

    Then came the flood of ’93….

  2. Levi Rogers 31 March, 2014 at 08:35 Reply

    Did not mention that the great Apache chief Talkalie (I know that I spelled that wrong). It is one of his last public appearances before his death. He is buried in the Globe cemetery.

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